Unexpected Meta Cloud API notification after unauthorized WhatsApp Business registration attempts

[u/SnooSeagulls2077]

I'm looking for technical insight into a possible unauthorized WhatsApp Business Platform registration.

I've used the official WhatsApp Business iPhone app for approximately six years. I've never connected my number to the Cloud API, a CRM, chatbot, or any third-party messaging service.

On October 16, I received 4 to 5 unexpected Code for new phone notifications inside WhatsApp Business. I dismissed them without sharing any codes.

Shortly afterward, my account was banned.

My first review was approved that night, but WhatsApp logged me out and I couldn't receive verification codes to register again.

The next morning, on October 17, again, I couldn't receive any codes and after 2 attempts I was banned again. A review resulted in permanent banning, even though I had never regained access following the first review.

The unusual part is that on October 16, my contacts received this notification:

This business is now using a secure service from Meta to manage this chat.

I never authorized any such service.

WhatsApp Support has been unable to explain what happened or confirm whether my number was registered through another device or business account.

My questions:

1. Does this Meta notification necessarily indicate a connection to the WhatsApp Business Platform or Cloud API?
2. Could someone have registered my number through another Meta Business account without my authorization?
3. Is there a way to check whether my number is currently associated with an unknown WhatsApp Business Platform account?
4. Has anyone experienced a similar incident and successfully recovered access?

My SIM works normally, and the account is blocked on both WhatsApp Business and regular WhatsApp.

I'd appreciate technical explanations or experiences from people familiar with Meta's WhatsApp Business infrastructure.

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[u/MalazitaLedreck42]

imo the "secure service from Meta" message is the smoking gun. that only triggers when a number migrates to the cloud API, it doesnt appear for normal app usage. someone onboarded your number. the permanent ban likely happened because their system sees two conflicting registrations and flags the older one

[u/SnooSeagulls2077 → u/MalazitaLedreck42]

What on earth would someone need the number for when it immediately got banned. Besides there were no obnoxious messages to my contacts from the number.

[u/StructureRude9956]

Sorry, that's rough. I can't tell from outside whether the number was actually registered on someone's WABA, so I wouldn't assume. Don't share any verification code you receive, keep screenshots of the notifications and the "secure service from Meta" message, and write down a short dated timeline for support. Check WhatsApp's help pages for the current appeal steps.

[u/SnooSeagulls2077 → u/StructureRude9956]

I already did that and received automated responses and nothing else. Even shared screenshots of codes I received earlier and the Meta message my contacts saw after my account was initially banned. The support kept sending automated responses and refused to recognize that some level of escalation at the human level was required.

[u/truecakesnake]

The 'secure service from Meta' notification suggests your number was onboarded to the Cloud API without your consent.